DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque men's basketball team had a daunting task this evening as they faced off against their cross-town rival, the Loras College Duhawks. Having already claimed the regular season title, the Spartans knew playing their rivals on their home court is never an easy task. The Duhawks would battle with the Spartans from the tip until the very last second of the game, but the Spartans were able to squeak out the close 92-91 win. The Spartans swept the Duhawks in the regular season having previously beaten the Duhawks 70-64 on Jan. 12 inside Stoltz Sports Center. 

The Duhawks had the advantage in the first seven minutes as they would hit almost every shot to build an early 20-14 lead. The Spartans would respond and take the lead 25-22 off a Josh Hammer three-pointer. The Spartans and Duhawks would be tied at 40 with under a minute left before halftime when Jaylin McCants would block a 3-point shot by the Duhawks and take it all the way making the shot while being fouled. He would miss the free throw, but a Sam Kilburg 3-pointer right before the buzzer would cap a 5-0 run by the Spartans to lead 45-40 at the half. The Duhawks responded after halftime with a 14-4 run to retake the lead 54-49 with 16:19 remaining in the game. Both teams would continue to fight and claw for any basket they could find. Throughout the game there would be 21 lead changes and 12 ties before the Spartans hit enough free throws down the stretch the come away with the thrilling victory. 

The Spartans enjoyed strong production off the bench from Jaylin McCants as he would lead the Spartans with 19 points and six rebounds. Four other Spartans would reach double figures in scoring with Sam Kilburg with 14, Peter Ragen added 12, Josh Hammer with 11, and Levi Scheurmann put up 10. As a team, the Spartans would shoot 33-52 (63.5%) from the floor and would light it up from deep shooting 13-25 (52%) beyond the arc. The bench was great tonight for the Spartans as they would outscore the Loras bench, 36-23. 

UP NEXT
The Spartans will cap off the regular season with senior day at Stoltz Sports Center against the Luther College Norse on Senior Day Saturday, February 19 at 4:00 p.m. After the game the Spartans will celebrate with the home fans their regular season conference championship, they secured at Simpson last Saturday afternoon. Following the match-up with Luther, the Spartans will prepare for their conference tournament semifinal contest against an opponent to be determined after Tuesday's first round games. The semifinal game is set for Thursday, February 24 at 7:00 p.m. on Jon Davison Court in Stoltz Sports Center.